NOTES VICE PRES I DENT HUBERT HUMPHREY HEARST SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM WASHINGTON, D. C. JANUARY 24, 1968 Youth, said Longellow, is the "book of beginnings; story without end." This week, you are writing an important new chapter in your book of life •.• a story whose most significant parts are sti II ahead. I congratulate each and every member of the U.S. Senate Youth Program. -2- You are already champions, stars, leaders -- in talent, in achievement and in outlook. And you represent the hope of America's future -- a young nation with the "can-do, will do" spirit that you yourselves display. Let me wish you memorable experiences throughout the remainder of your week in Washington. Now, I am especially happy to be able to make an announcement which is as exciting to us as it wi II be to you. Through the generosity of the Hearst Foundation, each of you wi II receive a thousand dollar scholarship to the co liege of your choice. The only requirement you need fu lfi II is that you study two years of American Government, politi ca I science, or similar subjects -- a requirement I am confident you would fu lfi II in any event. -3- It is my hope that either or both of your Senators will find it possible in their busy schedules to present the scholarship check to you back in your respective states. The award of this scholarship is tangible proof that the U.S. Senate Youth Program is fu lfi IIi ng the highest hopes of its Hearst Foundation and Senate sponsors. In this room today are most of the outstanding Americans who conceived this program and who brought it to reality. Without attempting to cover the entire list, I salute Dick Berlin Randy Hearst George Hearst and, yes, their dear wives with us today Catherine (Mrs. Randy Hearst) Rosalie (Mrs. George Hearst) -4- the "guiding spirit", Ira Walsh and my colleagues Tom Kuchel Russ Long Mark Hatfield Gale McGee, and others. We meet today in a building which is a focus of world attention. No house of parliament anywhere on this globe has made more constructive hi story, or ~ making more history today, than the United States Senate. I served for 16 years in this great body, working with most of the men who are with us today. Now, as President of the Senate, it is my privilege to work with all of the Senators. As you look around the room, you see the strength and the individuality of the U.S. Senate. -5- 0ut of this diversity comes a remarkable degree of unity. If you wi II study the records of the Senate, you wi II note how often, despite their political and other differences, its members reach unanimity. On countless occasions when it looks as though a divided Senate can "never" come to a decision, a much-debated amendment or Bill passes in modified form with an overwhelming vote of approval. This unanimity doesn 1t mean that the Senate has forgotten its differences. It does mean that Senators have agreed to close ranks on a compromise for the good of the nation. That ability to reach agreement is one of the most remarkable features of our free legislative bodies. It confirms that strong men can reason together even though they are "poles apart.'' Each is willing to give some ground without compromising pri nci pie. -6- This is the strength and the hope of America -­ reasoning, understanding, consensus. We are realists as well as idealists. Today, however our country faces an extraordinary set of critical issues on which feelings run high. -- Vietnam, civi I rights, poverty. There is a danger that opinion may become inflexibly polarized. It is up to you, as it is up to us here, to show patience, wisdom, understanding of the other fellow•s viewpoint. Out of frank and constructive dialogue comes lasting agreement. Out of the clash of honest minds comes not just heat, but light -- not impasse, but action. Let this faith in reason be your own guide. In student government affairs, and through your lives as citizens, -7- may others look to you for the bright lamp of understanding and leadership. Let this be the theme in the award-winning "book" of your life. My congratulations and best wishes for careers which will bring pride to your nation. # # # Minnesota Historical Society Copyright in this digital version belongs to the Minnesota Historical Society and its content may not be copied without the copyright holder's express written permis­ sion. Users may print, download, link to, or email content, however, for individual use. To req uest permission for commercial or ed uca tional use, please contact the Minnesota Hi stori cal Society. 1~ W'W'W. mnhs.org .